Question

Block 1 is attached to a spring and oscillates on a horizontal frictionless surface. When Block 1 is at a point of maximum displacement, Block 2 is placed on top of it from directly above without interrupting the oscillation, and the two blocks stick together. How do the maximum kinetic energy and period of oscillation with both blocks compare to those of block 1 alone?

A) Max KE: Smaller; Period: Smaller
B) Max KE: Smaller; Period: Greater
C) Max KE: The Same; Period: Smaller
D) Max KE: The Same; Period: Greater

Answer 1

The maximum kinetic energy and period of oscillation for the combined system of Block 1 and Block 2 are smaller compared to those of Block 1 alone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The maximum kinetic energy and period of oscillation for the combined system of Block 1 and Block 2 are smaller compared to those of Block 1 alone.

When Block 2 is placed on top of Block 1, the mass of the system increases, which results in a larger period of oscillation. The kinetic energy of the system is smaller because the combined mass moves with a smaller maximum speed compared to Block 1 alone.

Therefore, the correct answer is A) Max KE: Smaller; Period: Smaller.